Choosing the right tree for your yard can be fun but tricky. Trees provide a lifetime of beauty, clean air, shade, and shelter, making them invaluable additions to any landscape. With hundreds of species and varieties available, you’ll need to narrow down your choices. This guide will help you choose trees with the right characteristics for your yard and climate.
Understanding Tree Types
Each type of tree serves a unique purpose and can significantly impact your yard’s look and functionality.
Shade Trees
Shade trees provide cool respite on hot summer days and can help lower cooling bills by shading homes. Shade trees typically have dense, broad leaves and tall, rounded or vase-shaped canopies that provide the shade. They’re often deciduous and lose leaves during fall to allow for winter sunlight.
Popular shade trees include maple, ash, elm, beech, and linden. Plant deciduous shade trees on the southwest corner of your house for maximum energy efficiency.
Specimen or Ornamental Trees
Specimen trees serve as focal points in landscapes, and homeowners often plant them individually. Specimen trees should have year-round appeal, with features such as attractive flowers or berries, unusual shapes or interesting bark, and vibrant fall foliage. Popular specimen trees include dogwood, Japanese maple, magnolia, flowering cherry, and redbud. Use these sparingly and strategically, so their beauty will stand out.
Street Trees
Trees planted along streets face unique challenges. They should be tough and able to withstand traffic stress, pavement, heat, and poor soil. They should also fit under power lines if necessary and be free from large fruits, nuts, or branches that could interfere with traffic. Some of the best street trees include crape myrtle, fringe tree, holly, and thornless honey locust.
Windbreaks and Screening Trees
Windbreak trees provide a buffer against prevailing winds and storms while screening trees offer privacy and noise reduction. Dense evergreens make effective windbreaks and screens year-round. Columnar-shaped trees with low branches make good screens. Plant these trees on the north side of your property (south side in the southern hemisphere). Top choices include arborvitae, Leyland cypress, holly, and fir.
Fruit Trees
Fruit trees are both ornamental and productive. While they require more maintenance than other tree types, they reward homeowners with beautiful spring blossoms and edible fruits. Popular fruit trees include apple, cherry, peach, plum, and pear.
Factors To Consider When Selecting Trees
Several factors help determine the right tree for your yard. Taking them into account will help the tree thrive in its new environment.
One of the most critical factors in tree selection is the local climate and hardiness zone. Trees must withstand your area’s temperature extremes and weather conditions. Consult the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine which trees suit your yard.
Different trees have different soil requirements. Some prefer well-draining sandy soils, while others thrive in clay or loamy soils. A soil test can provide valuable information about pH levels and nutrient content, helping you choose the best tree species for the spot. Most trees require full sun to thrive, but some can tolerate partial shade. Assess the amount of sunlight the planting area receives throughout the day and select a tree that thrives in similar conditions.
Think about the tree’s mature size when selecting a location. A tree that outgrows its space can cause problems with foundations, sidewalks, or power lines. Research the expected height and spread of potential trees to make sure they’ll fit comfortably without creating future conflicts. And don’t forget about care and maintenance. Some trees may need regular pruning, pest control, or specialized care, while others are relatively low-maintenance.
Enhancing Property Value with Tree Selection
The right trees can significantly impact property value. Trees that are well-suited to the local climate and landscape can increase curb appeal and potentially boost home values. Trees known for enhancing property value include mature oak trees, Japanese maple, flowering dogwood, sugar maple, and crape myrtle. When selecting trees for property value, consider longevity, disease resistance, and overall visual appeal.
How To Position Trees in Your Yard
Proper tree placement can affect a tree’s health and your overall landscape design. Make sure to avoid planting trees too close to structures or utilities. Use trees to frame views or create natural barriers, and plant shade trees on your home’s south and west sides to maximize energy efficiency. Grouping trees with similar water and sunlight needs together can make care easier. Finally, avoid planting trees in straight lines (unless creating a specific effect like an allée).
Related: How To Plant Trees and Shrubs on a Slope
Tree Planting and Care Tips
Proper planting gives your tree the best chance to establish itself and flourish. It also helps mitigate issues that might arise from improper soil contact or moisture imbalances. When planting a tree, dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper. Gently remove the tree from its container and loosen the roots, then place the tree in the hole with the root flare at or slightly higher than ground level. Backfill with native soil, tamping gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch, keeping it away from the trunk.
When it comes to care, water your tree deeply and regularly, especially during the first growing season, to establish a strong and healthy root system. Prune to remove dead or damaged branches, monitor for signs of pests or diseases, and fertilize your tree using soil test results. Consistent care means your trees will thrive and keep your yard beautiful.
